Cherry sweet on rival Leeds bid

THE battle for control of Leeds United intensified yesterday after former Elland Road favourite Trevor Cherry threw his weight behind a prospective takeover group.

While sources were playing down suggestions that a Pounds 30million deal had been done with a consortium led by Leeds-based accountant Gerald Krasner, Cherry was talking up the credentials of a rival faction led by Bolton Wanderers director and finance expert Ian Currie.

Krasner and his associates, believed to include former Bradford chairman Geoffrey Richmond, have been in talks with Leeds for the past four weeks, but reports of a deal are understood to be premature. Cherry seized the opportunity to endorse the possible counter bid. 'I know Ian Currie very well and I support what he is doing,' said the former England defender.'

He has got a group of people together who are Leeds fans and that is what the club needs. If this consortium did take over, I would be involved only as an advisor. I have been talking to them and supporting them, but I don't want a job. I'm not bothered as long as the people who take over care about Leeds.'